The incident occurred between 4.15am and 4.30am on Thursday, January 27 at a house in Springhill Road, Accrington.

Police are hunting three men and a female who poked a 37-year-old man several times with the small sword while he lay in bed.

A 23-year-old woman, believed to be an occupant of the house, was also in the bedroom at the time the burglars burst in.

DI Claire Holbrook, of Accrington CID, said the raiders ransacked the property while searching for money before fleeing.

She said: “There were three men in their early 20s and one female. Some spoke with an Irish accent. They came through an unlocked back door in dark hoodies. A female was carrying a short-bladed sword. After going into the bedroom they threatened the occupants.”

DI Holbrook added: “I wish to reassure members of the community that this was a targetted attack and not random or opportunist. The offenders clearly had a grievance against the occupants. This is a very unusual occurrence in this area.

“Somebody in the community will know about this offence and I'm asking those people to come forward in confidence to update us and inform us who the offenders are.”

Anyone with any information in connection with the incident can contact Accrington Police Station on 01254 353741.